• Green played fast for Louisiana-Lafayette (149 catches for 2,201 yards and 22 TDs) and ran fast for NFL scouts (4.53, 40). It figured that with Antonio Gates drawing heavy coverage, Green would go against slower defenders and run by them -- but only if the rookie could earn the playing time.

• Green appeared in only three games. For the season he had 56 yards receiving off four catches. Thirty-one yards came when Eddie Royal (illegally) decked a Titans defender near Green on a crossing pattern.

• Measured at 6-foot-6 and 239 pounds at the NFL combine, Green was a non-factor as a blocker last year. Even when the Chargers fell out of playoff contention, Norv Turner didn't seem to trust him.

• "I just know I was undersized a lot last year," Green said. "And if I got out there I don’t know what would have happened trying to block. So that was my main focus this offseason, picking up weight."

• Green is no longer a pure finesse player. Nine pounds heavier than last preseason, he was an improved blocker in training camp (winning our MVP honors) and in the four exhibitions. A week ago against the 49ers he was first downfield on the opening kickoff and slammed into two blockers. It's rare to see a 6-6 wedge-buster, and Green laughed at mention of it. "Just trying to make a play for the team," he said. "I got hit pretty hard."

• Laughing and shaking his head, he said he hasn't mastered any of Gates' subtle route-running tricks. But he said he "always" observes the eight-time Pro Bowler.

Gates said of Green: "He has the ability to be one of the best players in this league."

• Against the 49ers, four of the offense's first five plays were Charlie Whitehurst passes to Green, who totaled 40 yards off the four receptions. "I had no clue that was going to happen," Green said. Oddly, he figured Gates being held out helped him. "He always gets double- or triple-teamed. (The 49ers) realized it was me and just left a safety on top, I think,'' he said.

• At Louisiana-Lafayette's practices he often ran pass routes against a cornerback. In games, he drew safeties. For his career, he averaged 14.8 yards per catch. Niners backup safety Craig Dahl, who started 16 games for the Rams last year, looked slow running against Green.

• He failed in blitz protection once against the 49ers. Flanking Whitehurst at a split-back spot, he hesitated while trying to figure out which of two blitzers to pick up. The remedy: study more film, and consult with the coaches, Philip Rivers and Whitehurst.

• Green is faster than young Broncos tight end Julius Thomas, who in Thursday night's NFL season opener had a breakout performance with two touchdowns. But Thomas is more powerful, two years older, one year more experienced at NFL football and part of an offense that's more talented and more grooved than San Diego's. Both players were taken in the fourth round. Thomas, who played basketball for Portland State, went 129th in 2011. A.J. Smith took Green 110th in 2012.

• Green said he's a "lot more" capable now than he was last September. "But I’m still nervous about this season," said the 23-year-old. "I’m still trying to prove myself."